Manila, April 1 -- With idyllic hillsides and windswept terrains set against the backdrop of a dreamy view of Mt. Iraya and the sea, Batanes province has long been at the top of most Filipinos' travel bucket list.

While situated in the country's northernmost point, far from the mainland, and only accessible by plane, the province aptly known as "Home of the Winds" has retained its charm that kept on drawing visitors despite the high travel cost.

But Batanes is also unique in a way that its Ivatan people are fiercely protective of the way of life here and at the same time unselfish and ever-ready to extend a warm welcome to visitors willing to discover their culture and the bucolic retreat the island has to offer.

At the recently concl...